Guilty pleasures, which one of us can claim superiority over them? Perhaps while flipping channels towards the IFC, you let that new Pussycat Dolls video linger on just a little while, or maybe, while getting ready to insert the latest M.Ward CD, “West End Girls” comes up on the radio, and you roll up your windows, crank your speakers, and bobble your head in rhythm to the deep base line…. Guilty as charged. I must admit, it has been a long time since an LP has been able to instantaneously grab me into its hooks like Chicago Buzz band- The Changes’ debut “Today is Tonight.” The Changes’ danceable-art pop sound is not ground breaking and the songs contain herein are not the most innovate either– (even their dull name leaves much to be desired.) This is just damn catchy music, plain and simple; Friendly, non- threatening tunes that you can nod your head too. In these complicated times, sometimes its nice not to have to decipher through oblique lyrics or dense walls of sound– Cheesy, but true…Like I said, a guilty pleasure.
The Changes blend disco bass lines with jangly guitar and 80s synthesizers to produce music that is dreamy, inoffensive, and conceivably playable on adult contemporary stations. Try to imagine a mish mash of Phoenix (French band), The Cure and Hall and Oates. Sounds a little scary? Be forewarned then, if you are the type that would never be caught dead listening to The Pet Shop Boys, then The Changes will sound like vile recyclable dance pop to you. If, on the other hand, you consider The Stills’ “Logic Will Break Your Heart” to be one of your favorite albums of 2004, then you will absolutely rage over this Windy City quartet. Considered yourself in cahoots with MTV Fashionista, Todd Oldham, who as rumor has it, was so enamored with The Changes that they named their lavish song “House of Style” after him.
Tracks, “Twilight,” “Sisters,” “On a String” all do glitter like a spotlighted, spinning mirror ball- perfect cat walking music for the debonair designer. While “Water of The Gods” struts in a Marr-esque rockabilly sense. “While I Sleep” haunts with a tortured croon. Then there is the chirpy “Modern Love” which captures adolescent longing “All I wanted was to be wanted/ all I needed was to need what I’m feeling”
Truth is, once the initial warm and fuzzy sentiment passes and the mid torso exhausts from shaking, “Today Is Tonight” is just not that memorable. The white polyester electro- drama might tire on you after a while. This is music that is meant to be played loud and played out. Don’t worry, nobody is watching you gyrate. Enjoy the boogie while it last.
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